Pittsburgh-area high school senior appears in court after being charged in "sextortion" scheme
A Peters Township High School student appeared in court for a preliminary hearing on charges he sextorted more than 20 minors.
Lawyers for the 18-year-old Zachariah Meyers asked the judge if he could be let out on bond, but that request was denied as the judge said he is a flight risk and remains a threat to the community. Meyers initially faced more than 300 charges, but that number has been reduced to 67.
Inside the highly secured courtroom in the Washington County Courthouse, the district attorney made the decision to reduce the number of charges, and Meyers's attorney waived the remaining 67 charges to trial.
"At this point, moving forward, we start to get discovery and look at the evidence, and we're excited to do that and actually see how credible this evidence is," said defense attorney Lisle Weaver.
Meyers was arrested earlier this year after he allegedly catfished 21 boys ranging in age from 14 to 17 on social media. Police said he pretended to be an adult film star in the Netherlands.
Weaver asked the judge to release Meyers on bond with no internet access as a condition, but the judge said no, believing Meyers was still a threat to the general public.
"We respect the judge's decision today, however, we strongly disagree with it," Weaver said. "The Pennsylvania Constitution entitles Zach to bond."
Attorney for victim speaks out
Attorney Amy Mathieu, who represents a victim and their family, was also watching the proceedings on Friday.
"There are a lot of unanswered questions," Mathieu said. "My client, in particular, was recorded in the locker room during a wrestling practice, and then those images were shared online."
Mathieu said her client is willing to let the law play out, but they will have their day in civil court. And she says the Peters Township School District will have to come up with some answers.
"The question then becomes, was there a coach present? Was there staff present? Was there a teacher present? If not, why not?" Mathieu said.
Meyers remains in the Washington County Jail without bond.
His parents were in the courtroom but were not made available for comment.
Criminal complaint details allegations
After executing a search warrant at Meyers' home on Windermere Court earlier this month, police said they took Meyers into custody, and a search of his phone found evidence that tied him to the social media accounts that targeted the minors.
According to the criminal complaint, the victims told police that Meyers asked them to send nude photos or make pornographic videos.
In one instance, Meyers was accused of coercing a victim into filming himself having sex with two men and then said he needed something to "keep my silence," according to the criminal complaint.
"The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our highest priority, and we appreciate all the efforts of the Peters Township Police in this matter," a statement from the Peters Township School District said.
